There is usually one home improvement question that plagues just about every homeowner at one point in time or another. That question is whether to replace or repair. In this case, we are talking about whether to replace or repair your garage door opener. That’s a question that does not always have a cut and dry answer, yet we are going to look at how sometimes it is better to replace, and sometimes it is better to repair your garage door opener.
When it is Better to Repair Your Garage Door Opener.
If your garage door is not operating properly, it’s easy to throw your hands up and say “honey, we are going to have to get a new garage door opener motor”. Yet, before you do that, it might be better to have it repaired. Depending on the situation, you may suspect it is the motor, when instead it may be something else. Let’s look at a few of these possibilities.
Recently Purchased Your Garage Door Opener.
If you have recently purchased your garage door opener, it may still be under warranty, especially if you had a professional garage door company do the work. If this is the case, you can get the garage door opener repaired with little to no cost to you. Even if your garage door opener is outside the warranty time, but still a model that is 5 years or newer, unless you have excessive wear and tear on the motor, chances are it is better to have the garage door opener diagnosed and repaired rather than replacing it.
The Garage Door Opens Only Partway.
When your garage door opens only partway, it’s easy to suspect the motor. This is not always the case. Damaged rollers can also cause the door to stop short of fully opening. Inspect your garage door rollers and the tracks the rollers are in to make sure there are no obstructions or damage to those parts. If that is not the case, the up-limit switch may need to be moved toward the motor unit. This switch is usually a simple touch-lever mounted on the end of the track near the motor unit.
The Garage Door Closes Only Partway.
If your garage door only closes partway, your safety sensors are probably out of alignment or going bad. These are near the bottom of the door track on both sides. They are electronic eyes that require a clear line of view between them. Make sure there is nothing blocking the line of sight between the two sensors.
When It Is Better to Replace Your Garage Door Opener.
There are times and situations that it may be better to replace your garage door opener motor. Let’s have a look at a few of these situations.
When You Replace Your Garage Door.
If you are getting a new garage door, it may be advisable to get a new opener motor along with it. Your new garage door may have a different weight than your older one and may put more of a strain on your motor, especially if it’s an older model.
If You Have an Older Garage Door Opener.
Speaking of having an older model, if your garage door opener is older than 10 years old and is giving you trouble, it would probably be in your best interest to get a new garage door motor instead of repairing the older one you currently have. The newer ones are going to be quieter than the one you have and have features such as Wi-Fi and a built-in light that your current one does not. In addition, repairs may cost just the same if not more than just getting a new one with better features.
Wanting Newer Features.
As mentioned above, the newer garage door openers have features like Wi-Fi enabled and built-in security light. With Wi-Fi enabled, you’re able to open your garage door with an app on your cell phone. The built-in security light and camera allow you to see who is coming in and out of your garage. If these features are something you do not have but want, it might be worth checking into getting a new garage door opener installed.
These are just a few possible scenarios that could come up with your garage door opener. If you are not sure which are the better options, be it replace your garage door opener or repair the garage door opener motor, it’s best to call a professional. A professional garage door repair company like Spectrum Overhead Door LLC can give you a free diagnosis of the problem and help you decide which is best for you. If you are in the Houston area, you can contact Spectrum Overhead Door LLC 281-748-9542 or if you live on the East side of Houston, 713-557-3407.